Even though both sports are known for intense action and rough characters, boxing and poker aren’t usually combined. This didn’t stop Gus Hansen (known as one of the biggest full tilt poker names)and Danish poker pro Theo Jorgensen from duking it out. Both know as skilled poker players in both the online poker and live tournament circuit, did quite well as shown in the video.

It’s that time of year when we look back over the past 12 months and forward to the new year. In my annual review of Aussie boxers, I list the ones to watch by division in 2019. To keep things interesting, I have decided not to nominate the same boxer in my column twice. I have also included a review of the previous year’s nominee to see how close – or far – I was from the mark.

Rugged welterweight ‘Gelignite’ Jack Brubaker 14-2-1 (7) is set to return to the ring when he takes on power-punching Indonesian Larry Siwu 27-11 (23) at the Emporium in Bankstown, Sydney, Australia on MJA Platinum’s big ‘Inception’ card this Friday night. By Anthony Cocks

Questions about Jeff Horn’s reckless use of his head have be raised by Anthony Mundine ahead of the pair’s high-profile domestic match-up at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane this Friday night. By Anthony Cocks

Luke ‘Action’ Jackson 16-1 (7) put up a brave stand against Belfast’s Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton at Windsor Park last weekend only to lose by TKO when his corner hurled in the towel early in the ninth frame. By Anthony Cocks

World ranked Sydney lightweight George “Ferocious” Kambosos 14-0 (8) believes he is as little as a year away from a world title shot after spending six weeks in the Philippine mountains training alongside 11-time world champion Manny Pacquiao. By Anthony Cocks

Some fighters age differently to others. In the lighter weight classes 25 is considered ancient, while the heavyweights can often box effectively into their late 30s. Other boxers – through wear and tear, lifestyle or the luck of genetics – are well and truly done by the age of 30. By Anthony Cocks

Unheralded featherweight contender Luke “Action” Jackson 16-0 (7) will get the opportunity to introduce himself on the world stage when he challenges WBO “interim” champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton 25-1 (14) at the home of Northern Irish football, Windsor Park, in Belfast, on August 18. By Anthony Cocks

In what promises to be an explosive clash at light heavyweight classy boxer-puncher Damien "Super" Hooper 13-1 (8) will defend his WBO International title over 10 rounds against knockout artist Renold "Dunghutti Destroyer" Quinlan 12-2 (8) on the undercard of the WBO top five clash between junior middleweights Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan and Jimmy Kilrain Kelly at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane on April 7.

When WBA #9 and IBF #12 bantamweight Jason The “Smooth One” Moloney 15-0 (12) steps into the ring against Immanuel Naidjala 23-4-1 (13) for Punches at the Park 7 at the St Kilda Town Hall on 24 February there will be more than just the Commonwealth title on the line. By Anthony Cocks